What Are Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GIST)?

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are rare tumors that start
in special cells found in the wall of the GI tract, called the
interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs). ICCs are part of the autonomic
nervous system, and coordinate the automatic movements of the GI
tract. ICCs are sometimes called the "pacemakers" of the GI
tract because they send signals to the muscles of the digestive
system, telling them to move food and liquid through the GI tract.

GISTs may occur anywhere along the length of the digestive tract
from the esophagus to the anus.

GIST is slightly more common in men. Although GISTs are most often
diagnosed in people 50 years of age or older, they can occur in any
age group. GIST appears to occur with increased frequency in patients
with a history of neurofibromatosis (NF1 disease).

Approximately 50-70% of all GISTs develop in the stomach, while
around 20-30% will arise in the small intestine. The rest arise in the
esophagus, colon, and rectum.

Most people who develop GIST have a mutation in a gene called c-kit,
but researchers are not certain how the mutation causes the cancer and
the cancer does not always manifest in the same way.

Clinical Trials

Clinical trials are research studies that evaluate a new medical approach, device, drug, or other treatment. As a Stanford Health Care patient, you may have access to the latest, advanced clinical trials.

Open trials refer to studies currently accepting participants. Closed trials are not currently enrolling, but may open in the future.